Skyrim Civil War: Imperials or Stormcloaks – Which Side is Truly Better?

The question of whether to join the Imperial Legion or the Stormcloaks in Skyrim’s Civil War is one that plagues every Dragonborn. There’s no clear-cut “good” or “bad” side; the best choice depends entirely on your character’s backstory, roleplaying preferences, and your personal interpretation of the lore. Both factions have valid points and deep flaws, making it one of the most morally ambiguous and compelling conflicts in gaming history.

Understanding the Conflict: More Than Just a Rebellion

The conflict stems from the White-Gold Concordat, a treaty signed between the Empire and the Aldmeri Dominion (Thalmor) after the Great War. The treaty outlawed the worship of Talos, a human who ascended to godhood and a central figure in Nord religion. The Empire, weakened and desperate to avoid another war with the Thalmor, reluctantly agreed.

The Stormcloaks, led by Ulfric Stormcloak, view this as a betrayal of Skyrim and its people. They believe the Empire has become a puppet of the Thalmor and has no right to dictate the religious practices of Skyrim. They fight for independence, religious freedom, and the restoration of traditional Nord values.

The Imperial Legion, on the other hand, argues that remaining part of the Empire is crucial for Skyrim’s survival. They believe that a united Empire is the only thing standing between Tamriel and complete Thalmor domination. They view Ulfric as a power-hungry rebel who is destabilizing the region and playing directly into the Thalmor’s hands.

Factors to Consider When Choosing a Side

Roleplaying and Character Alignment

• Nords: If you’re playing a Nord character who values tradition, independence, and religious freedom, the Stormcloaks might be a more natural fit.

• Imperials, Bretons, and Redguards: These races traditionally align with the Empire. An Imperial character would likely see the benefits of remaining within the Empire’s protection.

• High Elves: Siding with anyone is challenging.

• Dark Elves: Siding with anyone is challenging.

• Orcs: Siding with anyone is challenging.

• Argonians and Khajiit: The decision depends on your choices.

• Moral Compass: Consider your character’s moral alignment. Are they a staunch believer in law and order, or do they prioritize freedom and self-determination above all else?

Gameplay Implications

• Questlines: Both the Imperial and Stormcloak questlines offer unique challenges and rewards. Choose the one that aligns with your preferred playstyle.

• Factions and Alliances: Joining either side will impact your relationships with other factions. Consider how your choice will affect your overall experience.

• Political Landscape: The Civil War changes the political landscape of Skyrim, affecting the jarls who rule each hold.

• Gear and Rewards: The Imperial Legion has better quality equipment than the Stormcloaks.

The Bigger Picture: The Threat of the Thalmor

Ultimately, the Civil War is a distraction from the larger threat posed by the Thalmor. Both sides are weakening themselves, making it easier for the Aldmeri Dominion to eventually conquer Tamriel. Choosing a side, therefore, is a matter of deciding which path offers the best chance of long-term survival for Skyrim and its people. Understanding the intricate dynamics of game-based learning can be further explored at the Games Learning Society website.

Conclusion: A Matter of Perspective

There’s no definitive “better” side in Skyrim’s Civil War. It’s a complex conflict with no easy answers. Carefully consider your character’s motivations, the gameplay implications, and the larger political context before making your choice. Most importantly, play the game and form your own opinion.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. Does joining the Stormcloaks or Imperials lock me out of any content?

Yes, joining one side will prevent you from completing the questline of the other. However, this only affects the Civil War questline itself. All other quests and content in Skyrim remain accessible.

2. Will joining the Stormcloaks make me enemies with the Thalmor?

You’re already effectively enemies with the Thalmor regardless of your choice. The Stormcloaks actively oppose the White-Gold Concordat, which the Thalmor enforce.

3. Will joining the Imperials make me friends with the Thalmor?

No. The Empire is simply tolerating the Thalmor out of necessity. They are not allies, and many Imperials harbor resentment towards them.

4. Can I switch sides after starting the Civil War questline?

Yes, there is one opportunity to switch sides. During the quest to retrieve the Jagged Crown, you can choose to betray the faction you initially joined and give the crown to the opposing side.

5. Does the outcome of the Civil War affect the main questline?

The outcome of the Civil War has minimal impact on the main questline. You can complete the main quest regardless of which side you choose.

6. What happens to Whiterun if I side with the Stormcloaks?

If you side with the Stormcloaks, Vignar Grey-Mane becomes the new Jarl of Whiterun, replacing Balgruuf the Greater.

7. What happens to Whiterun if I side with the Imperials?

If you side with the Imperials, Balgruuf the Greater remains the Jarl of Whiterun.

8. Does my race affect how the NPCs react to me if I join a specific side?

Generally, NPCs won’t react drastically based on your race, but some may make remarks or show subtle biases depending on their own beliefs and the overall situation.

9. Is Ulfric Stormcloak a Dragonborn?

No, Ulfric Stormcloak is not a Dragonborn.

10. Is General Tullius a racist?

General Tullius is primarily focused on maintaining order and enforcing Imperial law. While some perceive him as insensitive to Nordic culture, he isn’t explicitly portrayed as racist.

11. Does joining either side affect my ability to become Thane of various holds?

No, becoming Thane of a hold is independent of the Civil War questline.

12. Can I complete the Civil War questline and then switch sides through console commands or mods?

Yes, mods can allow you to alter your allegiance and even replay certain quests, but this is not a feature of the unmodded game.

13. Is there a “peace treaty” option where I can end the Civil War without choosing a side?

While there isn’t a way to completely avoid choosing a side during the Civil War questline, you can delay making a choice and focus on other quests. Additionally, during the main quest, you can negotiate a temporary truce between the two sides.

14. Are the Stormcloaks the bad guys?

The Stormcloaks are not inherently “bad.” They fight for what they believe is right: freedom of religion and independence from the Empire. However, their methods and some of their supporters can be seen as problematic.

15. Are the Imperials the good guys?

The Imperials are also not inherently “good.” They strive to maintain order and stability, but they are also bound by a treaty that oppresses the worship of Talos. Their motivations are complex, and their actions are not always morally sound.

Learning through gaming

The complexities of choosing between the Imperials and Stormcloaks highlight how games can present intricate ethical dilemmas. This allows players to explore various perspectives and consequences, enhancing critical thinking and decision-making skills. For more insights into how games contribute to education and learning, visit GamesLearningSociety.org.